Far Eastern University refused to bow out, outlasting Adamson University in four sets, 25-13, 25-22, 15-25, 25-23, to force a winner-take-all Game 3 in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals on Wednesday at the City of Dasmariñas Arena.
Gerzel Petallo and Kyle Pendon powered the Lady Tamaraws’ offense, stepping up in key stretches to keep their title hopes alive and extend the series to a deciding match in the tournament organized by Sports Vision. The championship showdown now shifts to the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Friday.
Petallo, recently hailed as one of the league’s Best Outside Spikers, turned in an all-around effort with 15 points on 11 attacks and four kill blocks, while also tallying 12 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions. Pendon matched her output with 15 markers built on 12 hits and three kill blocks.
“Talagang t’yinaga po namin kasi gustong gusto po talaga naming manalo. We wanted this game for ourselves, kaya proper mindset talaga before pa lang mag-start ‘yung game — strong mentality, winning mentality,” said Petallo.
FEU nearly let a 22-18 lead slip away in the fourth set as Shaina Nitura, Frances Mordi, and Lhouriz Tuddao sparked a 5-1 Adamson run to tie it at 23-all.
But the Lady Falcons faltered in the clutch, with Red Bascon committing a costly service error before Jaz Ellarina came through with a crucial block on Mordi to clinch the hard-fought victory for the Lady Tamaraws after nearly two hours of play.
“Pinaghandaan po talaga namin ito — proper mindset lang at paniniwala na kaya namin ayusin ‘yung mga lapses namin,” Petallo added.
Ellarina chipped in 11 points, while Alyzza Devosora anchored the floor defense with six excellent receptions. Team captain and playmaker Tin Ubaldo dished out 23 excellent sets on top of three points, and Mary Suplico held the fort on defense with 14 excellent digs.
The win avenged FEU’s tough 18-25, 24-26, 25-23, 23-25 loss in Game 1 last Monday.
Newly crowned MVP Shaina Nitura once again led Adamson with a game-high 20 points on 18 attacks, one ace, and one block, on top of 14 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions. Mordi added 13 points and 10 excellent receptions, while Tuddao contributed 12 markers in the loss.
